Social Studies Note for Grade X | Unit- 5 | Lesson- 9 Human Rights and National and International Agencies

Unit: Five

Lesson: 9

Human Rights and National and International Agencies

Human Rights

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to inherent to all human beings.

After the end of World War II, the international community promised never to allow violent incidents again. World leaders decided to guarantee the rights of every individual everywhere. Thus the UN General Assembly adopted The Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10th December, 1948 AD. Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of then US President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first person to initiate the concept of human rights. She was the Chairperson of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights drafting Committee as well. So she is recognized as the driving force for the approval and issue of first Universal Declaration of Human Rights from the UN General Assembly. There are 30 articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Fundamental Rights

Fundamental rights are the basic rights to be acquired by an individual to live with dignity, respect and as a citizen of the country. As the fundamental rights are guaranteed by constitution, they are effective only within the country. It is also called civic rights, basic rights or constitutional rights.

Difference between Human Rights and Fundamental Rights

Human Rights	Fundamental Rights
Human right is a widespread expression.	Fundamental right is a limited expression.
It comes under the international law.	It comes under the national law.
It is similar in all the countries.	It can differ from country to country.
International laws make the human rights monitoring mechanism.	Constitution of the country makes the provision of protection and promotion of fundamental rights.

Role of National and International Agencies in Protection of Human Rights

Various national and international agencies concerned with human rights are working effectively in Nepal. These authorities are working in the fields like warning against the violation of human rights, publicity of the values and norm of human rights, and growth of public awareness regarding human rights, etc. Role of national and international agencies in protection of human rights are presented below:

National Human Rights Commission

NHRC was established in 2057 BS. It has been working for the protection and promotion of human rights in the country. The moto of this agency is ‘Dignity, Equality and Justice for all’.

Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC)

INSEC has been working in the sector of human rights and fundamental rights since 1988 AD. It was started with the objective of protecting the rights of people engaged in informal sectors. It has significantly contributed in protecting and promoting the fundamental rights of people in almost all sectors.

Amnesty International

Amnesty International is an international agency involved in the sector of human rights. It was established in 1961 AD in London with the objectives to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated. It works to mobilize public opinion to put pressure on governments that allows abuse during their tenure. This organization was awarded with Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 AD and the United Nations Prize.